Media Contact:  Stacey Smith, Willamette National Forest (541) 225-6301

Technical Contact:  Dave Stone, DHS (971) 673-0444

Al Johnson, Willamette National Forest (541) 225-6431

June 22, 2006

Public health advisory lifted for Hills Creek Reservoir

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Hills Creek Reservoir, located 4 miles south from Oakridge, was lifted today by the Willamette National Forest and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

The advisory went into effect on June 2, 2006.

Water sampling by the Forest Service has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals, said Dave Stone, toxicologist with the Oregon DHS.

Stone advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert of signs of algae blooms.  People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water. 

For local information contact the Willamette National Forest (541) 225-6301 or www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/.

For health information, contact Dave Stone, DHS toxicologist, at (971) 673-0444 or http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml.

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